Frailty in elderly residents in the household enrolled in a health unit in northern Portugal

Introduction: With the increase in longevity and decline in the physical, psychological and social function of the elderly, it is essential to understand the sociodemographic and health conditions that contribute to frailty. Objectives: To analyze the frailty profile of the elderly in a health unit in northern Portugal and to identify their willingness to join a specific program. Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study with 173 elderly people living at home and enrolled in a Health Unit. As a data collection instrument, a survey was carried out by telephone, containing sociodemographic and health data and the Tilburg frailty index (TFI). Results: A predominantly female sample with a mean age of 81.11 years, mostly married, with several comorbidities and polymedicates. The representation of frailty was 60.7%, with this condition significantly associated with gender, marital status, number of chronic diseases, polymedication and self-perceived health. For the majority of the elderly (83.8%), the condition of frailty is cumulatively influenced by physical, psychological and social dimensions. Conclusion: Fragility is a prevalent condition and the profile is associated with a set of characteristics in which it is possible to intervene, slowing the progression of fragility that occurs with aging